Diamond Cougars Set for Postseason

Success in the state playoffs is nothing unusual for the Piedmont Academy baseball program in recent years.

The Cougars are hoping to return to their state championship form in 2021 in GISA Class AA after falling short in the semifinals in 2019. COVID-19 caused the postseason not to be played last spring.

Piedmont (13-5 overall, 6-0 in GISA Region 1-AA) will host a quarterfinal series this week against the winner of Briarwood Academy-Crisp Academy series. That series was still being played on Tuesday as the teams tried to complete the series despite weather delays.

“At this point it really doesn’t matter who our opponent is,” coach Matt Britt said. “We just have to go out and play well. Hopefully we can manufacture enough offense to be OK. Our pitching has led us all season and I am sure it will continue to have to do so.”

At times this season the Cougars have struggled offensively. Britt said in the recent three-run win against Gatewood that it took a dropped fly ball by the Gators to prevent the final score from being 1-0.

“We have been OK at times at the plate but it has not been our strength,” the coach said. “If we can find a way to push some runs across, I think our pitching will be strong. If our offense is not there then we have to have excellent pitching and strong defense.”

A doubleheader will be played Friday, May 7 at 1 p.m. followed by a third game, if necessary, on Saturday, May 8. All games will be hosted by Piedmont.

Depending on when the Briarwood-Crisp series is complete, there is a chance the start of the quarterfinal series could be delayed.